Page 124 of Gin & Trouble

“Frankie’s right. There’s no need for you to get involved.” I didn’t have the heart to tell him he was already up to his elbows in it. That he’d dodged more bullets than he knew. If everything went well with theFratellanza, he could live the rest of his life and never find out he was supposed to be in the car instead of Joe and Rebecca.

Marco knocked and stepped inside without waiting for a reply. “Dante. Good. You’re awake. We need to go.”

Frankie frowned and gave me awhat-nowlook.

“Go where? It’s Christmas.” I’d spoken harsher than I intended, but I wasn’t sure I could handle any more surprises before I was properly caffeinated.

Marco frowned. “The honor of my presence is being requested at Valentine and Miquel Salvo’s wedding tonight. You two have to speak to theFratellanzabefore the ceremony.”

Frankie shot to her feet. “I thought Giancarlo asked for her hand as part of his retribution?”

“He did, but Tommaso is making his move now, before the matter is decided.”

“Please tell me you aren’t going to the Abruzzo compound. This could be a trap.” Her voice thinned.

“The ceremony is at the communal estate. Neutral ground, but we aren’t taking any chances. I’ll have security on you.”

“No way. She’s not going. You know as well as I do, Tommaso will demand we return Frankie to him as soon as he realizes she’s alive.” I wouldn’t risk losing her. Not over something as stupid as an obvious stunt to get us all in the same place.

“I know he will.” Marco stiffened his spine. “Which is why you two need to speak to the othercaposbefore the ceremony.”

Cursing under his breath, Enzo stood. “I’m coming with you.”

“Absolutely not.” Marco folded his arms.

“He’s right. It’s too dangerous.” Frankie set her hand on Enzo’s shoulder.

Marco narrowed his eyes at them, glanced at me, and sighed. “You told him?”

“I didn’t have to. He and Shanna figured it out.”

Enzo’s voice rose. “Heis standing right here and will make his own damned decisions.”

Enzo reminded me so much of Frankie in that moment, it stole my breath.

“You’re not going. End of story.” Marco dismissed Enzo by turning his attention to Frankie. “You can’t show up in sweats. Go to the main house and help Nico pack a bag for you.”

She raised her chin, much like her half-brother had done moments before. “Enzo needs to understand the situation. All of it.”

I could all but see Marco’s blood pressure rising. Maybe it was the stress of his position, or maybe he’d grown too used to people obeying his commands, but he reminded me of a tea kettle ready to blow.

“Everyone, take a deep breath and calm down. It won’t do anyone any good if we show up in Palermo at each other’s throats.” I turned the Moka pot off and poured four cups of espresso.

Marco glared between the three of us before settling on Enzo. “Tommaso has been trying to kill you for years. Starting with Joe and Rebecca’s murders. If you walk into the estate, he will finish the job.”

“That’s enough.” I couldn’t get over how crass he’d become. “I don’t know what the hell has happened to you over the past year, but you’ve turned into a serious asshole.”

Gripping the back of the sofa, Enzo glanced at Frankie. “Is this true?”

“Yes.” She dipped her chin. “I’m sorry, but Marco is right. It’s too dangerous for you to be anywhere near Tommaso.”

“If you’re going, I’m going. End of discussion.” Enzo stood taller, though from the sweat that broke out on his upper lip, it had to hurt.

“Have it your way, but you’d better not get shot again.” Marco shook his head. “Now can we get dressed into our Sunday best and get our asses on the plane?”

37

Frankie

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